Fears that some of the pictures, encouraged by Twitter's #cutforbieber hashtag dominating the microblogging states in the US, could be genuine prompted starlets like Miley Cyrus to endorse criticisms of the meme.

Lucie Russell of Young Minds said self-harming should not be dismissed as a "fashion, fad or statement".

"It's a signal that young people are experiencing extreme distress and need help," she said.

"Cutting is a self destructive act that is a way of coping with overwhelming emotions.

"To suggest young people cut themselves as some kind of protest is a very perverted and dangerous idea, and these people need to take responsibility and stop this activity immediately."

Each year 25,000 children and young people are admitted to hospital because of the severity of injuries caused by self-harm, the charity claims.